Give each child their own nativity set. It could be one they can play with or one that’s handmade. Let them keep it in their room. Teach children customs from another faith or country. serve smelts, spaghetti with anchovies, and shrimp on Christmas Eve as the Italians do. You could light a Hanukkah candles to remember where the Jewish and Christian faiths come from. Families from … Continue reading Holiday Ideas
Do’s: Let your genuine concern and caring show. Express your sorrow about the death and acknowledge your friend’s pain. Remember: sayings something is better than saying nothing. Be available to listen. The grieving person needs to express their thoughts and feelings about what has happened. They may long for the opportunity to go over all of the events that have occurred and express their feelings of loss. Offer to help … Continue reading How to Help a Friend who is Grieving
Thanksgiving Crafts: Indian headband: Have children trace their hand five times on different colored construction paper. Staple onto headband strip of paper, overlapping “feathers”. They can use this Indian headband in a Thanksgiving play. Turkey Hand: Have children trace hand on colored construction paper. Cut it out. Color the hand in where the thumb is the head of the turkey and the hand is the … Continue reading Kid’s Korner: Thanksgiving Crafts
Thanksgiving is a time to ponder and be grateful for blessing that have enriched our lives. It’s a time to realize that the little things really do count! A moment of silence on a hectic day Children arriving safely home from school Sleeping through the night with an infant in the house The health of your family A spouse who loves us and supports our … Continue reading 22 Little Reasons to Give Thanks
Don’t expect too much from yourself. The first holidays after a loss are especially difficult. It is normal to feel sad during the holidays when other families are all together. Many people advise going away for the holidays if there has been a recent death. A vacation trip works for some, while others want to be near emotional support. Ideally close friends or relatives should open up … Continue reading Surviving the Holidays when Grieving
We’ve found some simple and fun crafts for children as young as 3 or 4. Older children can cut their own shapes. Most importantly, remember this is supposed to be fun! There is no right or wrong way to make a pumpkin! Creativity is limited only by your child’s imagination. The colors are suggestions, however, ask your child what color pumpkin they want to make! … Continue reading Fun Halloween Crafts and Games
Why put healthy foods in lunch boxes? The foods children eat affect their performance at school. Healthy foods increases resistance to infections Eating foods low in granulated sugars and saturates fats helps children concentrate better in school. Natural carbohydrates give them energy. Protein and calcium are needed for bone and muscle growth. To fulfill all of these requirements, make everything you put in your child’s … Continue reading Healthy Lunches and Snacks
FALL CENTERPIECE: Start with a wicker plate used to support paper plates. Supply bump chenille, hay, styrofoam, silk leaves and flowers, ribbon, small decoration, glue, scissors. Let imagination go! Will you have a pumpkin patch, a scarecrow, a candle in the middle? This is a great family night project. Also a good ice breaker for groups. Easy PAPER BAG Decorations from HIGHLIGHTS Creative Crafts Series: … Continue reading Kid’s Korner: Harvest
Shopping with a Toddler: Before you go into the store, tell your child how to act, what behavior is and is not acceptable. They need lots of reminders and they are still learning what is appropriate in what place. Do not assume that after running around the playground this afternoon, your child will remember to be calm prepare them, this gives you an opportunity to say, “Remember, … Continue reading This Works for Me!
My 8 year old daughter can be much quicker to forgive than I. It is really humbling when she reminds me, “Mommy, people make mistakes.” (Angela DiCicco) Continue reading Heartwarmers
ART with Angela DiCicco, The Italian Grandmama's Guide 